MISSOULA, Mont. -- Competing against one of the stronger programs in the NCAA Division I Big Sky Conference, Whitworth College held its own in the unscored University of Montana Open at Lubrecht Forest on Saturday afternoon.

Seniors Kristi Dickey and Doug Blackburn finished third in the respective men's and women's races, preventing the Grizzlies from sweeping the top five places.

"Going into the meet, we didn't know exactly what to expect from Montana, other than the fact that they would have some very strong runners," said Whitworth head coach Toby Schwarz. "Both our men’s and women’s teams responded well to the Division I competition and didn't let it overwhelm them."

Dickey led a Whitworth group of three runners that finishes among the top seven. Dickey ran the four kilometer course in 15:07.8. Allie Brosh of Montana won in 14:45.0. Julie Lauterbach was sixth in 15:31.4, while Elaine Heinemann was seventh in 15:34.7. Andrea Carnahan finished 13th (16:14.9), while Shannon Newth was 15th (16:28.2).

"Kristi ran her own race after the Montana women took it out fast, remaining patient and reeling them in one by one," said Schwarz. "The entire women’s team ran very well today. Though they didn't win, they showed they could collectively compete with Division I competition."

Blackburn third place time on the six kilometer course was 19:05.9. He was less than ten seconds behind the winning time of 18:57.8 by Montana's Matt Winter. Jeff Grassley and Jacob Deitzfinished 8th and 9th, respectively, in 19:54.4 and 19:55.2. Phil Grahlfs followed in 11th place (20:29.4), while Travis Huskisson took 13th place (21:02.1).

"The men’s race was not as close as the women’s race, but I am very pleased with the performance of the guys," said Schwarz. "Doug showed once again that he is an exceptional runner at any level."

Whitworth will compete in the college-division meet at next week's Sundodger Invitational. The Pirates will have a chance to see every team from the Northwest Conference compete at next week's meet, which will take place at Lincoln Park in West Seattle. The University of Washington hosts the meet.